HSBC Bank, Rochdale
| HSBC, Rochdale | |
|---|---|
The building in 2017 | |
Location within Greater Manchester | |
| Former names | Oldham Joint Stock Bank |
| General information | |
| Type | Commercial (bank) |
| Architectural style | Neoclassical |
| Location | Yorkshire Street, Rochdale, Greater Manchester, England |
| Coordinates | 53°37′01″N 2°09′29″W / 53.61703°N 2.15815°W |
| Completed | 1895 |
| Owner | HSBC |
| Technical details | |
| Material | Ashlar sandstone, pink granite, slate |
| Floor count | 3 (central section) |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | Unknown (possibly Thomas Taylor) |
Listed Building – Grade II | |
| Official name | The former Oldham Joint Stock Bank, now HSBC |
| Designated | 20 January 2015 |
| Reference no. | 1416154 |
The former Oldham Joint Stock Bank, currently operating as a branch of HSBC, is a Grade II listed building located on Yorkshire Street in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, England. Built in 1895, it is a prominent example of Neoclassical bank architecture from the late Victorian period.
History
The building was originally constructed for the Oldham Joint Stock Banking Company, which was established in 1880 and later amalgamated with the London & Midland Bank Limited in 1898.[1] Though the architect of the Rochdale branch is officially unknown, stylistic similarities to other bank buildings designed by Thomas Taylor suggest he may have been involved.[2]
In the early 20th century, the bank was acquired by the Midland Bank, which became part of HSBC in 1992.[3]
On 20 January 2015, it was designated a Grade II listed building.[4]
Architecture
The building is constructed of ashlar sandstone with a rock-faced pink granite plinth and features a slate roof. It occupies a prominent corner location at the junction of Yorkshire Street and The Butts, with a curved façade.[4]
Architecturally, the structure comprises a three-storey central section flanked by two-storey wings. The ground floor is rusticated and features pilasters and round-headed windows. A projecting central entrance bay includes an oversized round-headed doorway with a relief-carved keystone shield, serving as a focal point of the design.[4]
Additional decorative elements include moulded frieze bands, dentil cornices, and a balustraded parapet, all of which reinforce the building's Neoclassical style. Above the banking hall, an elongated hexagonal roof light with Art Nouveau stained glass provides both illumination and artistic detail.[4]
Location and access
The building sits in the Old Town character area,[5] adjacent to the historic Rochdale Bridge, which is also Grade II listed and spans the River Roch.[6] This location places the branch at a prominent junction near South Parade and The Esplanade, with access to nearby public transport including Rochdale Town Centre tram stop and the interchange.
See also
References
- ^ "Oldham Joint Stock Bank Limited". British Banking History Society. Retrieved 25 October 2025.
- ^ "Branch Bank, Rochdale Road and Chapel Street, Shaw near Oldham". Manchester Victorian Architects. The Victorian Society. Retrieved 25 October 2025.
- ^ "History timeline: Explore our story, from 1865 to today". HSBC. Retrieved 25 October 2025.
- ^ a b c d Historic England. "The former Oldham Joint Stock Bank, now HSBC (1416154)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 25 October 2025.
- ^ "Rochdale Town Centre Conservation Area Appraisal" (PDF). Public Document Pack. Rochdale North Township Committee: 173. Retrieved 25 October 2025.
- ^ Historic England. "Rochdale Bridge, at the junction of The Esplanade, Yorkshire Street, The Butts, South Parade, Rochdale (1461917)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 25 October 2025.
External links
- Manchester History: Rochdale – architectural commentary and images of the building